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Aug 30, 2017

I imagine every person interested in period dramas has seen an actor outfit on screen and thought "Want!"

Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice (1995) BBC

Because if you're handy with a sewing machine - why not? You can make yourself an outfit inspired by something seen onscreen. It's been happening for years - before TV and movies, Books and Plays inspired Fashion trends - check
out the Dreamstress blog post on the 1870s sensation that was the Olivia Bonnet

Where to start? Firstly, the thing to remember with period dramas is depending upon the show's budget, target audience and the taste of the costumer designer, just because you're watching a period drama doesn't mean the clothes are historically accurate. *cough*Reign.*cough*

If you're creating an item for the 2017 September Historical Sew Fortnightly Seen Onscreen Challenge -- Don't know what that is? Details here -- Then historical accuracy matters, so it's time to do some research. May I recommend starting with Frock Flicks where quote: "we rip into Hollywood’s attempt at historical costuming and talk about exactly why they’re not accurate to the eras."

If you're an Outlander fan, then you have to check out the American Duchess website - not only did these talented designers team up with Simplicity to patterns inspired by the TV show, they are also sharing "Outlander Pattern Hacks"revealing how to make those same patterns more historically accurate. Also you must check out the American Duchess YouTube channel.

And if, you don't have a movie or TV show already in mind, then here's some costuming eye-candy to get you inspired: